Adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus

ABSTRACT

An adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus includes a rigid airway portion and a flexible airway portion frictionally engaging and slidably disposed in the rigid airway portion. The overall length of the apparatus can be varied by sliding the flexible portion relative to the rigid portion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to an oropharyngeal airway employed to maintain an unobstructed air passage in an anesthetized, unconscious or sleeping patient by preventing the patient's tongue from falling backward against the posterior pharyngeal wall and causing the air space to collapse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Commercial prior art oropharyngeal airway devices are conventionally of single-piece construction, being formed, for example, of relatively rigid plastic material. Such construction is for the purpose of preventing the patient from biting down and collapsing the lumen of the oropharyngeal airway. However, the typical rigid oropharyngeal airway is irritating to the patient who is not totally unconscious or who is not in a deep state of general anesthesia.

[0003] Furthermore, there are significant numbers of patients in whom the base of the tongue, and hence the larynx, is caudally positioned in the hypopharynx. This condition is discussed in the following publications: Chou H-C, Wu T-L. Mandibulohyoid distance in difficult laryngoscopy. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1993: 71: 335-339; Chou H-C, Wu T-L. Thyromental distance—shouldn't we redefine its role in the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy? (letter). Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 1998: 42: 136-137; and Benumof J L. Prediction of difficult intubation (letter). Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 1998: 42: 1128. When such condition exists, the commonly available prior art airway devices cannot reach the larynx, the tongue mass cannot be displaced forward and the air passage remains obstructed. Also, the commonly available oropharyngeal airway devices are not easily tolerated in sleeping patients or in patients emerging from general anesthesia when the gag reflex is active while the air passage remains relatively collapsed.

[0004] Since the typical commercially available oropharyngeal airway is not made long enough to reach beyond the base of the tongue, as stated above, practitioners often find it necessary to lift the patient's chin up to raise the base of the tongue from the posterior pharyngeal wall in order to maintain an open air passage. Such maneuver ties up the practitioner's hands from performing other essential tasks. This is one of the reasons that anesthesia maintained with a face mask and an oropharyngeal airway is becoming less popular even in connection with a brief surgical procedure. In more severe cases, even jaw lifting with both hands and other maneuvers do not compensate for the deficiencies of commonly available oropharyngeal airways, i.e., the patient cannot be ventilated. If the patient's trachea cannot be intubated immediately, catastrophic results such as hypoxia, brain damage, or even death, can occur.

[0005] The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus of the present invention solves the above-described problems. While adjustable airways are known in the prior art they do not incorporate the structural combination and cooperative relationships of the present invention. The following United States patents are considered to be representative of the current state of the prior art in this field: U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,507, issued Jan. 6, 1976, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,791, issued Apr. 21, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,930, issued Jul. 13, 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,821, issued Nov. 2, 1982, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,625, issued Dec. 28, 1982.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to an adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus for maintaining an unobstructed air passageway in an individual.

[0007] The airway apparatus includes a double-ended first airway portion having a first airway portion interior and openings at the ends thereof communicating with the first airway portion interior. The first airway portion is of substantially rigid construction.

[0008] The airway apparatus additionally includes a double-ended second airway portion having a second airway portion interior and openings at the ends thereof communicating with the second airway portion interior. The second airway portion is positioned in the first airway portion interior and selectively slidably movable relative to the first airway portion.

[0009] The second airway portion has a flexible distal end segment formed of yieldable material projecting outwardly from an opening of the first airway portion and including a distal end. Slidable movement of the second airway portion relative to the first airway portion changes the distance between the distal end and the first airway portion.

[0010] Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is an elevational view illustrating a conventional prior art airway in the mouth of a patient having an excessive hypopharyngeal tongue mass, the air passage to the glottis remaining obstructed;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating an airway apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention in place, with the flexible portion of the apparatus not extended to the full operational length thereof;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the flexible portion extended to maintain an unobstructed air passage from the mouth-piece of the apparatus all the way down to the patient's glottis;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating a patient with normal anatomy without excessive hypopharyngeal tongue mass and the flexible portion of the apparatus not fully extended;

[0015]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention showing the flexible portion of the apparatus in partially extended position;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating the flexible portion fully extended;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a frontal, elevational view of the rigid first airway portion of the apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the rigid first airway portion;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a view of the rigid first airway portion as taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of the flexible second airway portion of the apparatus;

[0022]FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

[0023]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 11; and

[0024]FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the distal end of the flexible airway portion as delineated by line 14-14 in FIG. 11.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, an airway 10 of typical and conventional prior art construction is illustrated. The airway is located in a patient with an excessive hypopharyngeal tongue mass. It will be seen that even with the prior art airway 10 in place, the air passage to the glottis remains obstructed.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2-14, adjustable oropharyngeal apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated, such apparatus being generally designated by reference numeral 20. Airway apparatus 20 includes two portions—a rigid portion 24 formed of molded plastic or the like and a flexible portion 26 which may also be formed of plastic material but a plastic material that is soft and yielding in nature. A suitable rigid portion material is polypropylene and a suitable soft, flexible, yielding material (employed in the construction of flexible portion 26) is low density polyethylene; however, it is to be understood that other suitable materials may be utilized.

[0027] The two components or portions 24, 26 are formed separately and subsequently assembled together for use.

[0028] Airway portion 24 is tubular-shaped, having a channel-like interior 28 with a central rounded area 30. The rounded area 30 slidably receives therein the tubular-shaped flexible portion 26. The diameter of rounded area 30 is less than the outer diameter of flexible portion 26 so that compressive forces are exerted on the flexible portion 26 and frictional engagement between the rigid and flexible airway portions will prevent relative movement therebetween in the absence of outside forces of sufficient magnitude to cause relative movement being applied thereto.

[0029] Rigid portion 24 not only serves as a conduit for the flexible portion, it also protects the flexible portion from the biting force of the patient's teeth. The rigid portion is significantly shorter than typical or common oropharyngeal airways so that it will not reach the posterior aspect of the tongue where the gag reflex is active.

[0030] The rigid airway portion 24 has spaced open ends, an outer end 32 and an inner end 34. A curved plate 36 is located at the outer end 32 and is engageable with the outer mouth area of the patient to properly position the rigid portion relative to the patient when in use. With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, the inner end 34 of the rigid airway portion is tapered where designated by reference numerals 40, 42 in the drawings and is open on the sides at the tapers. This reduces bulk of the apparatus at the inner end of the rigid airway portion to minimize patient discomfort.

[0031] The flexible portion is considerably longer than common oropharyngeal airways. The flexible portion is capable of reaching the base of the tongue to provide a patent or unobstructed air passageway even in patients with a very caudally positioned larynx and large hypopharyngeal tongue mass, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0032] The relative softness of the flexible portion allows it to conform to the patient's anatomy. The flexible airway portion glides over the patient's tongue mass and creates an air passageway between the tongue mass and the posterior pharyngeal wall. It is less irritating to the pharyngeal tissue than rigid materials and thus is less likely to cause gagging reflex or discomfort to the patient. The patient can tolerate the presence of the airway apparatus of the present invention better than conventional arrangements. Thus, it is possible to use this improved airway in semi-awake patients during emergence from general anesthesia or in semi-conscious patients in emergency resuscitation situations to provide an adequate air passage for ventilation.

[0033] The intra-oral length of the flexible portion can be adjusted while the oropharyngeal airway apparatus of the present invention is in a patient's mouth. By moving the flexible portion up or down while ventilating the patient through a face mask, one can find the optimal airway length for the patient to maximize air passage easily and instantaneously, without taking the oropharyngeal airway apparatus out of the mouth and trying another size of the airway. Because of the adjustability feature, although the apparatus of the present invention can be made in several sizes, the required number of available sizes can be significantly reduced as compared to prior art airways. The apparatus provides a savings both as to cost and time and provides better airway management for practitioners in both normal and difficult clinical situations.

[0034] The lower or distal end segment of the flexible airway portion 26 is tapered as shown in FIG. 14 and two openings 44, 46 are located at opposed sides of the distal end and spaced from one another. This will allow air flow even if one of the openings is blocked by tissue. The taper of the distal end also contributes to the ease of advancing the flexible portion within the patient's mouth.

[0035] Downward sliding movement of the flexible airway portion 26 relative to the rigid airway portion 24 is limited by a projecting member 50 disposed around opening 52 at the upper or outer end of flexible portion 26. That is, projecting member 50 will engage plate 36 on the rigid airway portion to prevent further downward movement of the flexible airway portion. 

1. Adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus for maintaining an unobstructed air passageway in an individual, said airway apparatus comprising, in combination: a double-ended first airway portion having a first airway portion interior and openings at the ends thereof communicating with said first airway portion interior, said first airway portion being of substantially rigid construction; and a double-ended second airway portion having a second airway portion interior and openings at the ends thereof communicating with said second airway portion interior, said second airway portion positioned in said first airway portion interior and selectively slidably movable relative to said first airway portion, said second airway portion having a flexible distal end segment formed of yieldable material projecting outwardly from an opening of said first airway portion and including a distal end, slidable movement of said second airway portion relative to the first airway portion changing the distance between said distal end and said first airway portion.
 2. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 additionally including means for restricting relative slidable movement between said first airway portion and said second airway portion.
 3. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for restricting relative movement comprises a projecting member projecting outwardly from said second airway portion for abutting against said first airway portion during slidable movement of said second airway portion relative to said first airway portion.
 4. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the openings of said second airway portion is located at said distal end.
 5. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least two of the openings of said second airway portion are located at opposed sides of said distal end and spaced from one another.
 6. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first airway portion and said second airway portion are each tubular-shaped.
 7. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the outer diameter of said tubular-shaped second airway portion exceeds the diameter of an inner area of said tubular-shaped first airway portion whereby frictional engagement between said tubular-shaped first and second airway portions will prevent relative movement between said first and second airway portions in the absence of outside forces of sufficient magnitude to cause relative movement being applied thereto.
 8. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second airway portion is wholly formed of flexible material.
 9. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ends of said first airway portion comprise an outer end accessible from outside an individual's oral cavity and an inner end positionable within the individual's oral cavity, said outer end and said inner end being close enough to one another to prevent said inner end from reaching the posterior aspect of the tongue of the individual.
 10. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said inner end is tapered.
 11. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second airway portion is of sufficient length to enable said distal end to reach the glottic area of an individual.
 12. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first airway portion interior is curved.
 13. Adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus for maintaining an unobstructed airway in an individual, said airway apparatus comprising, in combination: a substantially rigid airway portion having spaced open ends and defining a hollow interior extending between said open ends, said substantially rigid airway portion for positioning in the mouth of an individual; and a hollow, flexible airway portion having spaced open ends formed of yieldable material positioned in the hollow interior of said substantially rigid airway portion and slidably movable within said hollow interior relative to said substantially rigid airway portion upon the application of outside forces thereto to move one of the open ends of the hollow, flexible airway portion beyond the individual's tongue to a selected location within the individual's body.
 14. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said hollow, flexible airway portion frictionally engages and is maintained under compression by said substantially rigid airway portion, frictional engagement between said hollow, flexible airway portion and said substantially rigid airway portion resisting relative sliding movement therebetween.
 15. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said hollow, flexible airway portion is tubular-shaped.
 16. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the open end of the flexible airway portion moved beyond the individual's tongue to a selected location within the individual's body has a plurality of spaced openings formed therein.
 17. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 16 wherein two of said plurality of spaced openings are disposed on opposed sides of the flexible airway portion.
 18. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the open end of the flexible airway portion moved beyond the individual's tongue to a selected location within the individual's body is tapered.
 19. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 13 wherein one of the open ends of said rigid airway portion is an inner end located in the interior of an individual's mouth, said inner end being tapered.
 20. The adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said hollow interior is curved. 